Kīlauea Lava Hike: A Bucket-List Adventure

Hawaii Forest & Trail Kilauea Lava Hike. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Forest & Trail.

Kīlauea, one of three active volcanoes on Hawaii Island, has been erupting for over three decades and presents ever-changing lava flows.

At times, the proximity of Kīlauea’s lava flow thrills spectators and, at others, the flow recedes into remote wilderness.

Renewed interest stirred as dawn arrived the first week in July, when news reports from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted that an active lava flow continued its advance across the southeast coastal plain of Kīlauea.

The location of this newest lava outbreak provides upfront access for hardy hikers.

The Hawai‘i Forest & Trail has revived its Kīlauea Lava Hike to take advantage of the opportunity for fit hikers to experience this bucket-list adventure.

The challenging Kīlauea Lava Hike traverses six-plus miles of rugged lavascape. Hikers are accompanied by professional and experienced Hawaii Forest & Trail guides.

Kīlauea Lava Hike guests will experience views of Kīlauea’s coastal plain and will arrive at the edge of the volcano’s molten lava flow, an experience that has been out of reach for several years.

“Kilauea Volcano is awe-inspiring,” said Rob Pacheco, Hawaii Forest & Trail president and founder. “There is no substitute for seeing lava firsthand. It is an experience people never forget. We’ve been waiting for the position of the lava flow to shift and become accessible to hikers. Our experienced guides are thrilled to be able to accompany small groups out to see this natural wonder.”

Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Kīlauea Lava Hike begins at its Kona headquarters with an additional guest pickup available at Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa.

Hawaii Forest & Trail provides rain gear, water and flashlights. Long pants and hiking boots are required.

Once at the trailhead, the 3.5-hour Kīlauea Lava Hike returns to Hawaii Forest & Trail’s vehicle at about 6:30 p.m., when guests then head out for a local-style dinner in Hilo.

Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Kilauea Lava Hike is priced at $192 plus tax per person. This hike is rated difficult; guests should be able to hike on uneven and rocky terrain. Other tour restrictions may apply.

To book Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Kilauea Lava Hike or for more information, call (800) 464-1993 or locally at (808) 331-8505

In 2015, Hawaii Forest & Trail expanded its headquarters in Kona, opened a Hilo-based operation and most recently launched its storefront in historic downtown Hilo.